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Trump criticizes NATO and calls for ending trade with Spain at Turkey summit

Published July 8, 2026 at 6:52 PM UTC

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At the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the alliance's performance, particularly highlighting two key areas where he believed NATO had failed. He emphasized the need for the alliance to address these shortcomings to ensure its effectiveness in the future. In a notable move, President Trump labeled Spain a "wasted cause" and a "terrible partner in NATO," instructing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to sever all economic ties between the United States and Spain. This decision underscores the administration's frustration with Spain's contributions to the alliance and its commitment to reevaluating trade relationships with allies that do not meet certain expectations. The summit also saw discussions on Turkey's potential re-entry into the F-35 fighter jet program, with President Trump indicating openness to the idea, despite previous concerns over Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system. Additionally, the U.S. authorized military strikes on Iran during the summit, highlighting tensions over NATO's role in Middle East conflicts. NATO leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collective defense under Article 5, despite internal disagreements and external challenges. The summit concluded with a renewed sense of unity among allies, with President Trump noting "a lot of love" in the room, despite the earlier tensions.